Two Level 40 G Vertical Build

[kmichael55]

So I ended up having to remove the "floor" of the bottom of the tank over the false bottom to access the filter. It was awful...I will ALWAYS double test a pump before making it this difficult to access. I had made an access "door" by not siliconing in a piece of the egg crate and attaching the top with cable/zip ties..it wasn't enough. I learned a lot of lessons haha

I bought this from Lowe's...it's a piece of junk! But, it came already housed in a filter box and on sale for $15 it was the cheapest I've seen a pump. The full height of the tank is 30"... I was hoping it could pump about 24" high, but I don't know...
There is nothing in the manual that says max height, just a vague 70GPH (is this with the two extension tubes or at 0" ?)

I'm going to buy a hose adapter at work today to go from the black tube to the clear vinyl tubing...

Am I correct in assuming this will increase the pressure? (Using smaller tubing?) Any tips on how to best maximize the pressure??

Also had to cut down the Great Stuff tower I had made in the corner to hide this (larger tubing and a support) to make the height smaller :/



Once I get the hose adapter and make sure the pump can get it up to the second level, I'll have to re figure placement.
Also, I realized today as I dumped out the dirt that was in those pots that it's potting soil complete with fertilizer and vermiculite and all...I'll vaccuum it out haha, no where near close enough to get frogs in it so don't worry!

[deranged chipmunk]

Kate, the spec you are looking for on the pump is called "head height". It is the maximum height the pump will push water. For a 30" tank, i would recommend a head height of no less than 48".

The 70 gph is without extensions. And yes, decreasing tubing size will increase pressure, but at a price, you also increase backpressure. Increased backpressure will affect performance and most likely burn the pump out prematurely. Learned that lesson the hard way.
Now you see why i water test my tanks for 24 bare. If they can't go that amount of time with nothing in the tank, it sure won't work completed.

[UncleChester]

Not meaning to be a downer here because I do think this is an interesting way to use a tank, but with a shared water system you will be exposing the frogs to each others toxins or any potential pathogens they may have. Something to keep in mind when it comes time to select the inhabitants.

Looking forward to seeing the completed project!

[kmichael55]

So it's still obviously a work in progress, just wanted to share this:

My frogs are ALL in one place now!! Plus My red eared slider tank at the end, now I just need to find a spot for my box turtle!! The two level that I'm currently building is bottom left...just had to see it in there!




Soooo it turns out my top level will be 11.6 G (empty) and the bottom 16ish (Holds about 5 G of water in bottom)

Here's a side view of the outside partially done being painted to cover ugly things in the tank...




Here's the top floor with some of the G.S. covered with NO VOC Gennex (BJM) Waterborne Paint tint... which I then seal with a clear coat.






The top:

The bottom:

[deranged chipmunk]

Very cool Kate. That looks awesome. If i ever get that organized, i'll post a pic of my philly phrog/phish room.... lol

[kmichael55]

Would LOVE to see that, I'll bet you've got a mini jungle!!

[deranged chipmunk]

Would LOVE to see that, I'll bet you've got a mini jungle!!

Not yet, but we'll be close in the spring once i start ordering tree ferns

[kmichael55]

Totally hating how blue the "rocks" turned out, but that will be much less noticeable once substrate and plants are all in...I'm hoping!

[deranged chipmunk]

They really are blue? I thought it was just the pic.....lol

[deranged chipmunk]

They really are blue? I thought it was just the pic.....lol